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| WAT A FUTURE: Kallum Watkins is set for a big season with the Rhinos |
LEEDS have won their last six contests against the Airlie Birds and Skybet’s 4-7 on Brian McDermott’s Rhinos is worth tucking into.
Youngsters Kallum Watkins, 19, and Ben Jones-Bishop, 22, are two of the most prodigious up and coming talents in the game and combined superbly as the latter crossed the whitewash to complete a dramatic Leeds comeback in Cardiff last Sunday.
Centre Watkins and winger Jones-Bishop certainly look like being two to watch in Sky Sport’s first Friday night clash of the campaign, as is second-rower Weller Hauraki.
The former Parramatta Eel, set for his Rhinos debut after finally bagging a work permit, was hugely impressive for Crusaders last term and I expect him to flourish alongside some of Leeds’ star names.
The Black and Whites came flying out of the blocks against Hull KR last week, but quickly, and worrying I’m sure for coach Richard Agar, fell away.
A 14-0 lead ended in a comprehensive 34-22 defeat and, if there is any team in Super League you need to stay switched on for 80 minutes against, it is the Rhinos.
I can see a similar pattern emerging at the KC Stadium, with a strong opening from the hosts, for who new recruit Sam Obst should feature, but Leeds proving the stronger come the final hooter. Paddy Power offer 13-2 that Hull lead at half-time, with Leeds ending victorious and that’s a cracking price.
Watkins is 16-1 with Hills to bag the final try and it would come as no surprise to see the Leeds ace reward punters while underlining his undoubted potential.
Winner: Leeds (4-7 Skybet)
Score Tip: Leeds to win by 1-12 points (2-1 Stan James)
First Tryscorer: Kirk Yeaman (16-1 Sportingbet)
Salford v St Helens
SAINTS boss Royce Simmons will be cursing an injury list that deprives him of James Graham, Leon Pryce, Gary Wheeler and new signing Josh Perry, but at least rugby union target Kyle Eastmond is still expected to feature and see out the last year of his contract.
St Helens comeback from 16-0 down against arch rivals and champions Wigan last week emphasised to any doubters that Saints will once again be challenging come Grand Final reckoning, while Salford’s 42-12 crushing at the hands of Crusaders should convince punters there can be only one winner at The Willows.
Salford had been tipped in many quarters to mount a challenge for the play-offs, but last week’s showing was a rude awakening for Reds’ fans.
Saints may be without some key names, but a comfortable win is surely on the cards, with James Roby and the irrepressible Tony Puletua, inspirational in last Saturday’s late heroics, leading the charge for the visitors.
Winner: St Helens (1-3 Betfred)
Score Tip: St Helens win by 16-20 points (6-1 Hills)
First Tryscorer: James Roby (20-1 Hills)
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